Social Security

Social Security has two different disability programs; SSI and SSDI. They sound and look very similar, but they are different.

⭐ SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance

⭐ SSI - Supplemental Security Income Social Security has two different health insurance programs. They are called Medicare and Medicaid. Again, they sound and look similar, but are different. Both can be provided to people with disabilities.

⭐ People on SSI get Medicaid

⭐ People on SSDI get Medicare (sometimes they get Medicaid too)

⭐ People on both SSI & SSDI get both Medicaid & Medicare To find out what you are applying for, you can ask your lawyer, contact Social Security, read any paperwork you were sent, or check your online Social Security account. This post is going to mostly focus on SSI for children under 18.

⭐ SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security tax. Not everyone who has worked qualifies. It depends on how old you are, how much you've worked, and how recently you've worked.

⭐ SSI is for people with lower income who don’t qualify for SSDI. SSI is also for people who do get SSDI, but their disability check is low (usually under $800).

🌟⭐🌟 Applying for SSI: Use this website to apply: [https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply-child.html](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply-child.html?fbclid=IwAR34v9h-wep3E79qcas8_siGKo8GF9aKxacmnM9A1VIVJ4nK8VBR2C-0o-Y)

🔹️You will go to the website and complete a short form, which takes 5-10 minutes. This is basically a request for an appointment. You need standard information about yourself and your child (name, address, dob, child ssn). They are supposed to contact you within 2 weeks of completing this form to set up the actual appointment.

🔹️The application is completed by the representative on the phone during your appointment. 🔹️Prior to the appointment, complete the Child Disability Report online through their website.

⭐ 💰🩺 SSI Eligibility Decisions: They make a decision on financial eligibility and then a decision on medical eligibility. It's very important to complete all of the forms/paperwork they send prior to the interview process. This will help you to be prepared to answer their questions and speed the entire process up for you and them.

⭐💲 Financial Eligibility: To get approved for SSI you must be low-income and have minimal assets. The entire household's income is considered during the review process. Any income coming into anyone living in the residence is part of their eligibility decision. This includes employment for yourself, your spouse, any adult in the house, child support, any Medicaid programs like food assistance, any insurance claims or settlements, trust accounts, and life insurance policies. They will ask you about your assets including; any homes, properties, businesses, vehicles, and recreational vehicles that are in your or your spouse’s name. They will ask you about your essential monthly bills.

🤯 The income rules are so complex we can’t possibly explain them all here, but we will include some of the basic info below. The best thing to do is just apply. Some types of income do not count and do not affect SSI. For example Food stamps, student loans, personal loans, Section 8 rental assistance, Liheap utility assistance, gifts placed in a Special Needs Trust, and some kinds of gifts.

💰 If you have income that does count, your SSI check may start to slowly lower. Your check will be lower in different ways at different rates depending on the type of income. If your check lowers so much that it gets below or goes to zero, you will no longer be eligible for SSI. If your income changes, you can restart your check anytime within twelve months. After twelve months, you must reapply.

⭐ 🩺 Medical Eligibility: To be medically approved you must be able to prove the disability. You must convince them the individual being applied for is currently and likely will continue to be totally reliant on full-time care and services. Completing the medical portion of the paperwork can be a daunting and emotional task and should be done prior to the scheduled appointment. So prepare yourself and if at all possible do it when you have an hour or so of peace. You will want to have all doctor's and therapist's information including; names, addresses, and phone numbers. You will need to list their most recent appointments their outcomes and any follow-ups scheduled. You will need to have all the information for any hospital stays or surgery as well. You will need to document the diagnosis information including the doctor's information and types of testing that occurred. You will have to sign paperwork allowing Social Security to contact all of these entities for validation.

⭐ The differences in applying for SSI & SSDI: The medical decision is exactly the same and you apply the same way. They make the decision about your disability exactly the same way. The financial policies are completely different. For SSI, your financial information and financial decisions will be very important. For SSDI, your finances do not matter.

🌟⭐🌟 Again, if you're interested, your best bet is to just start the application process. Use this website to apply: [https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply-child.html](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply-child.html?fbclid=IwAR3y0SNkiKz_L0peQUld1dyltw_oF3TxhJaB3m-GOD1GZsOx4sesBnzo8Vg)